How a shooting spree changed the nation's gun laws

When Huan Yun "Allen" Xiang walked into his maths and science lecture at Monash University's Clayton campus on October 21 last year, he was allegedly carrying five guns, including a CZ nine-millimetre handgun.

That gun was the only firearm used in the shooting that killed his fellow students Xu Hui "William" Wu and Steven Chan. But when tutor Bradley Thompson entered the room and found a black pistol on the floor, he searched Xiang for other firearms.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court heard yesterday that Mr Thompson found Xiang was carrying several other guns in holsters on a belt around his waist.

Prosecutor Sue Pullen said Mr Thompson removed two magazines from behind Xiang's left hip. Later, he removed a small revolver from the base of his back.

Police found a box of ammunition in Xiang's vehicle and two more guns and ammunition at his Clayton home, Ms Pullen said.

In the six months before the shootings, Xiang allegedly legally bought seven guns in North Melbourne, Clayton, Dandenong and Flemington from licensed firearms dealers.

Xiang became a member of the Sporting Shooters Association in April last year. Records showed he attended target practice.

In June, he became an approved holder of a Victorian handgun licence and submitted permits to acquire applications in respect of handguns. All were approved.

The Monash shootings sparked a state and federal crackdown on some handguns. Victoria's handgun buyback began last month in Geelong, when dozens of banned firearms were handed in.